Our guidance counselors serve a key role in maximizing student success in collaboration with parents and internal and external support staff. They provide post-secondary education planning, preparation and support in regards to academic and social development. They encourage goal setting and responsible decision-making. They also serve as leaders for our school-wide anti-bullying initiative. They coordinate mentor ship training and one-on-one tutoring. And, they promote both paid and volunteer student work opportunities.
Our guidance counselors offer one-on-one high school and career education planning sessions utilizing the myBlueprint platform. myBlueprint is an interactive online education planning tool designed for students in grades 8-12. Students utilize the program to set goals, prepare an annual course schedule, record community service hours, track high school graduation requirements and explore post-secondary programs and institutions across Canada. The myBlueprint design was influenced by the Ministry of Education’s Creating Pathways to Success policy document.
Your child may benefit from financial assistance for post-secondary education from the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). As part of the most significant reform of student assistance in North America, the government of Ontario is removing the financial barriers to attending college or university. If your family income is under $50,000, your child’s tuition is covered. Even if you earn more, the new OSAP may still provide your child with a generous grant that will make sending him/her to college or university much more affordable. Please click here to learn more.
If your child is currently in Grade 12, you should know that applications are open for college and university programs in the fall. University applications are due in January. College applications are due to be submitted by February 1.
Our guidance counselors promote and support cooperative education. Grade eleven and twelve students can earn high school course credits while working either a half or a full day for an employer in our community. This would not be possible, however, without the support we graciously receive from our local employers.
Our guidance counselors promote and support our Specialist High Skills Major program. A Specialist High Skills Major allows students to customize their high school learning experience to fit with their career interests. Click here to learn more.
Our guidance counselors also work with various Board and community staff members to support your child’s mental health and overall well-being. Click here to learn more.
We encourage you to contact one of our two cooperative education teachers, student success teacher, guidance counselors and/or student services program lead – Mr. Allard, Mr. Charkavi, Mrs. Goulard, Mrs. Hickson and Mr. Gleason, respectively, with any questions or concerns relating to your child’s development.